Whether you’re looking for your first-ever neck pillow or you’re a seasoned veteran, there’s something on this list for everyone. From blow-up models to memory foam, there’s a lot to choose from.
Before you decide on the best travel neck pillow for you, there are a few things to go over. What are you looking for in a pillow companion? Do you want structure or something squishy to lean on? Does packed size matter to you? Is there a material that makes you sweat or is uncomfortable on your skin? Once you’ve answered those questions, we’re ready to rock.
Whether riding in the middle seat on a budget airline or traveling by train across Europe, it’s time to get comfortable! Let’s dive in.
- Trtl Travel Pillow
- J-Pillow Travel Pillow
- BCOZZY Travel Pillow
- Cabeau Evolution S3 Neck Pillow
- OSTRICHPILLOW GO Travel Pillow
- Grand Trunk Hooded Travel Neck Pillow
- Vive Neck Brace
- Sunany Inflatable Neck Pillow
- bullbird BR2 Travel Pillow
- UROPHYLLA Inflatable Travel Pillow
- MLVOC Memory Travel Pillow
- Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow
- Tuft & Needle Anywhere Travel Pillow
- Slip Frequent Flyer Travel Set
Why We Like It: Stiff insert adds a ton of support.
What You Should Know: It may be too stiff for some users.
If you’re looking for a lot of support that doesn’t take up much room, look no further than the trtl Travel Pillow. The internal support system is wrapped in a soft fleece material, so the strength doesn’t overshadow its comfort. The support is on one side of your neck, so it’s perfect for side sleepers. You can even move it to the front to add support under your chin. However, if you tend to bob your neck to the left and right in your sleep, your head may still hang to one side.
If you aren’t a fan of sturdy pillows, this might not be the one for you. However, you can adjust the trtl to work for almost any sleeping position, whether on a plane, train, or automobile. This is an excellent option for those looking for something that isn’t too bulky and offers a load of support.
Why We Like It: Lots of support and hugs your face.
What You Should Know: Can fall off in your sleep.
Do you like to be comfortable on flights? Do you want an additional headrest for extra support? Do you want a travel neck pillow that has a passing resemblance to a walrus? If you answered yes to any of those questions, the J-Pillow Travel Pillow might be your best bet.
The unique design hugs your face, offering a ton of padded support. However, that structure only comes on one side of your head. If you move a lot in your sleep, it runs the risk of falling off since there’s no VELCRO or buckle to keep it in place. However, it’s a great shout for side sleepers and those who want extra support.
Compared to some models, the J-Pillow doesn’t pack down very small. However, the extra support will be worth it to travelers who always wake up with a crick in their neck after a long flight.
Why We Like It: Can customize it to fit your needs.
What You Should Know: Might not be big enough for some.
No matter what seat you end up with on your budget flight from Delhi to Mumbai, the bcozzy Travel Pillow will adapt to keep you comfortable. The design is longer than most models, so you can wrap it to meet your needs, whether they’re on your left, right, in front, or behind your head.
The soft exterior makes it easy to find comfort, even on a budget airline. If you want more support, just tighten the pillow’s grip. However, this might not be the best travel neck pillow for you if you have a more oversized neck, as you won’t be able to tighten it as much.
Why We Like It: Attaches to your seat, so it won’t move.
What You Should Know: May not work for shorter users.
If you tend to toss and turn while sleeping on an airplane, the Cabeau Evolution S3 Airplane Travel Neck Pillow may be the best pillow for you. One of the highlights is the seat attachment strap, so you can’t slouch or bend over so long as you have it secured. This may feel slightly claustrophobic for some users; however, we’ve found it’s easy to get used to.
On the front, a strap tightens the pillow’s grip around your neck so you don’t fall forward, either. If you’re short, you may find the whole apparatus is too high for you to use. However, there’s usually an attachment point somewhere on the seat to make the mechanism work.
It comes with a carrying case, but the whole deal is a little larger than we’d like. That said, its size is a small price for a pillow that keeps you in place, no matter where the destination is.
Why We Like It: Feels like a comfortable sweater.
What You Should Know: Takes up a lot of space.
For travelers searching for the best travel neck pillow with boisterous 360-degree support, the Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow is a great shout. It isn’t the smallest offering on this list; however, when you wear it, it feels like you’re sporting a warm sweater in your bed at home. Seriously, it’s that comfortable!
The design wraps all the way around your neck for support that has you covered no matter which way your head leans. The included bag helps keep it clean in your travel backpack, but it doesn’t compress, so it will take up a large amount of space if you’re traveling with a daypack. However, the comfort supplied by this neck pillow will help you wake up refreshed and ready to go.
Why We Like It: Functions as an eye mask and neck pillow in one package.
What You Should Know: Can get hot on the airplane.
For more privacy while sleeping on the plane, look for a pillow with a hood to keep your face covered. The Grand Trunk Hooded Travel Neck Pillow offers just that and is an excellent option for the best travel neck pillow for anyone looking to hide for the duration of the flight or those who want to look like a Sith Lord.
If you get warm easily, the hood may not be for you. However, if you are always cold on flights, the added materials will keep you warm from Oakland to Obninsk. There isn’t a ton of side support, which is essential to note for sleepers who often end up hanging out of their seat.
If you’re ready to turn to the dark side (of comfortable travel), this might be the best option for you.
Why We Like It: Great for balling on a budget.
What You Should Know: Not comfortable for long trips.
Okay, we know what you might be thinking. A neck brace? For travel? Has the Pack Hacker Team gone mad? Here us out—one of the worst things on a flight is getting comfortable and cozy, nearly falling asleep, only for you to be shocked away by the sensation of falling you get when your head drops an inch. With a neck brace, your head isn’t going anywhere.
Plus, this thing is extraordinarily budget-friendly. It isn’t the most comfortable option on the market, but if your primary concern is head bobbing, there might be no better option than the Vive Neck Brace on your journey to find the best travel neck pillow for you.
Why We Like It: Sits on the tray table infront of you.
What You Should Know: Inflatable, so it can puncture.
Okay, but what if you want a pillow that offers a lot of support but takes up nearly no room when packed? We’ve got you covered. The Sunany Inflatable Neck Pillow blows up, so it can slide into small spaces in your pack and even fit into a large sling. Once inflated, it rests on the tray table in front of you so you can lean forward on it for support. There’s a hole for your face and a place to rest your arms.
Its size does come at a cost. You’ll have to blow it up when you get to your seat, which may take a while or attract a lot of attention. Plus, more surface area means more places for it to get a puncture. However, the materials are durable, and the comfort offered by this thing makes the hassle of blowing it up worth it. You may just need to get used to a few weird looks from fellow passengers.
Why We Like It: Excellent back and neck support.
What You Should Know: Won’t stop your head from bobbing forward.
The bullbird BR2 Travel Pillow doesn’t just support your neck; it’s ergonomically designed to align your spine and neck, so you’ll have a comfortable flight and be well-aligned when you arrive at your destination. It’s much smaller than many of the options on this list, so you’ll have more room to pack souvenirs on the way home.
This model does well to keep you from bobbing left and right but won’t stop you from falling forward when your seat is in the upright position. However, it’s designed to fit most adults, is hand washable, and features memory foam to ensure you’re comfortable from point A to point B.
If you are looking for an option that will keep you aligned and ready to take on any adventure, this might be the best travel neck pillow for you.
Why We Like It: Folds up tiny when not in use.
What You Should Know: May deflate while you’re using it.
If you’re looking for an option that’ll fit into your pocket or sling when not in use, this might be the best travel neck pillow for you. The UROPHYLLA Inflatable Travel Pillow inflates, so it folds down small when you don’t have air inside. The exterior materials are soft, so your face and neck will be comfortable.
There isn’t much to write home about here, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s a standard neck pillow, and that’s about it. Blow it up while you’re waiting for your flight, and fall asleep by the time your plane takes off!
Another excellent thing about this pillow is that it costs under $20 at the time of this post. This is a perfect option if you haven’t used one before and want to get your feet wet.
Why We Like It: Comes with earplugs, an eye mask, and a case.
What You Should Know: It’s difficult to stow in the case.
If you need more than the standard pillow design, the MLVOC Travel Pillow 100% Pure Memory Foam Neck Pillow has you covered. This model comes with an eye mask, ear plugs, and a case to ensure you’re ready to sleep no matter where you are. The phrase out of sight, out of mind gains a whole new meaning when you’re at cruising altitude and you can’t see or hear the baby crying a few rows behind you. Ah, so comfortable!
This neck pillow is tough to get into its case; however, the memory foam is very comfortable and offers enough support to get you through the day, night, or afternoon. Plus, the whole set is budget-friendly for all travelers.
If you want the whole package, this might be the best travel neck pillow for you!
Why We Like It: Memory foam is extremely comfortable.
What You Should Know: It’s a bit heavy.
The Travelrest Nest Memory Foam Travel Pillow is a fancy-feeling offering that compresses down small enough to fit into your hand so you don’t have to compromise size or comfort. Plus, it comes with a complimentary set of earplugs.
Even though this neck pillow compresses relatively small, it’s still quite heavy. This isn’t a huge deal, but ultralight packers should be wary of that. However, because it’s crafted from memory foam, the materials form to your back and shoulders to create a fitted feel that will allow you to relax. The pillow has a cover, so you can remove that and wash it should it get dirty.
For the comforts of home that fit into the palm of your hand, look no further than the Travelrest Nest Memory Foam Travel Pillow.
Why We Like It: Designed more like a regular pillow.
What You Should Know: Will fall if you move while sleeping.
If you’re looking for something more like what you’re used to at home that may have more uses while traveling, the Tuft & Needle Anywhere Travel Pillow might be an excellent alternative to the classic style. It’s packable and super soft, so you can take the comforts of home with you wherever you go.
It doesn’t attach to or wrap around your body in any way, so it isn’t a good option for restless sleepers. However, it can be used on more than just the plane. Pop it into your bag to make reading in the market square more comfortable. Or, bring it on a road trip when you’re riding in the passenger seat. It’s small enough to fit into the glove box or your daypack.
This might not fit the bill of the best travel neck pillow; however, it’s a worthy option for travelers looking for something different.
Why We Like It: It has a fun colorway and comes with an eye mask.
What You Should Know: No sleek colorway options.
You’ve probably heard the phrase smooth as silk, right? The slip Wanderlust Frequent Flyer Travel Set personifies that perfectly because it’s silk! At least the pillowcase, anyways.
The set comes with a neck pillow, a face covering (mask), and an eye mask. We dig the vibrant and fun colorway, though it also comes in black at the time of this post if you want something sleeker However, the colorway is fun, and the silk material is good for your skin and hair.
In addition to everything listed above, this neck pillow from slip has loads of jaw and chin support and is well padded and cushioned. You’ll be riding in style and remain comfortable for the duration of your flight—what else could you ask for?
So there you have it! Some of the best travel neck pillow models to ensure you get to your destination well-rested. No matter where you’re going, being prepared when you arrive is half the battle! Happy snoozing.
